28+ Best Toys for Travel with Toddlers in 2025 (Mom & Kid Tested!)
Traveling with a baby or toddler can seem like a daunting task, but investing in the right travel toys can be huge for keeping little ones entertained. As a mom of three young kids we have had LOTS of experience traveling at all ages (from 4 months to 7 years!). I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t and want to share it all here!
Parents will want to make sure they are getting their money’s worth when purchasing travel toys, so researching the best travel toys available is key! Whether it’s buying something online or going to your local toy store, sifting through the incredible variety of travel toys out there can be time consuming.
Doing thorough research on what travel toys are best for babies and toddlers to both use and learn from will definitely pay off in the long run: parents will have peace of mind that travel days won’t feel impossible! That’s why I put together a list of some of the best toys for travel with toddlers and babies! These are tested and toddler approved!
What Makes a Good Travel Toy for Babies and Toddlers
Mess-free travel toys are a must for any on-the-go parent. Look for items such as wipeable coloring books, reusable sticker books and magnetic drawing boards. Consider buying a portable travel tray table too; it gives your little ones something sturdy to do their artwork on while you’re en route. Plus, once they’re finished creating masterpieces, everything can be conveniently stored away in one place until the next activity!
Noise can be a major issue when traveling with babies and toddlers, so opting for quiet toys is an absolute must. Look for items that don’t require batteries and are made of soft materials like rubber or fabric, as these make less sound than hard plastic toys. Handheld interactive books are also great; they offer lots of visual stimulation without making any noise.
Puzzles, card games, and memory boards are all good choices too – just make sure to bring enough pieces for the entire journey! And if you’re traveling by air, consider buying a pair of headphones specifically designed to block external noise; this will help your little one stay entertained while keeping the peace inside the cabin.
Educational travel toys are a great for travel with toddlers. Not only will it keep them engaged, but will help them to develop along the way. Look for games that can teach them about shapes, numbers, letters, and patterns.
For more information on the importance of educational play in babies and toddlers visit: KidsHealth.org
Lightweight. When it comes to traveling with kids, weight can be an issue. Look for lightweight travel toys that won’t add too much bulk to your suitcase or carry-on bag. Toys and games that are easy to pack and usually come in small boxes that take up minimal space. The good news is a lot of your favorite toddler toys will likely also come in a travel version as well!
Small & Compact. No matter how large your family is, it’s important to try and save as much space as possible when packing for a trip. Look for toys that can do double duty; items like make-your-own puzzles are great because they allow kids to create their own activities while also encouraging problem solving skills.
Best Toys for Travel with Toddlers Ages 1-2
When looking for engaging travel toys to keep your toddlers busy, it’s important to choose items that will help encourage their fine motor skills as well as their creative minds. Luckily there are plenty of fun and entertaining options that can keep them occupied for long periods of time, whether you’re just running errands or headed on a longer road trip. Simple toys offer engaging activities that stimulate the imagination while requiring little-to-no assistance from an adult. With just a little planning and creativity, you’re sure to find safe and engaging travel toys for your toddlers that will make any family outing go by smoothly!
Buckle Toys are a great way to keep toddlers entertained in the car and on long trips. Look for buckle toys that feature vibrant colors, interesting shapes, and engaging textures. Buckle toys help improve manual dexterity while encouraging imaginative play at the same time! These can be easily tucked away into a bag or suitcase when not in use, making them great for travel. As a bonus, get a buckle toy that doubles as a backpack to store extra activities for your toddler.
Busy Books are a similar concept to the buckle toys, but offer even more options to keep little toddler hands “busy.” They are excellent for developing fine motor skills and keeping kids entertained for longer periods of time. There are so many options for these types of books to fit your style.
Shape Sorter is a classic toddler activity and we love the travel friendly versions. The only downside could be loose shapes and easily losing these in tight spaces like an airplane seat!
Wikki Stix are great for engaging toddlers while on the go. These colorful wax sticks allow toddlers to create 2D and 3D designs that can help develop their motor skills and stimulate their creativity! Look for Wikki Stix in different shapes, sizes, and colors that will keep kids engaged no matter how long the trip may be.
LCD Drawing Tablets are a fun “screen free” option that makes kids think they are on a screen. You can get these in a variety of colors. They come with a stylus that, when drawing on the pad can come in a multitude of colors. My kids love to use these as their “iPads.”
Crayola Color Wonder are my favorite markets to take when we travel or go to restaurants. The markers will only work on the special paper. This is wonderful for a mess free activity without worrying about your child coloring on the airplane table. Nothing will show up!
Best Toys for Travel with Toddlers Ages 2-4
When traveling with toddlers ages 2-4, puzzles and creative learning toys are the best way to keep them occupied and engaged. They are at the perfect age for puzzles and toys that bring out their creativity. At such an active age, you will want to get creative with bringing enough toys and activities to hold their attention, but not weighing down your carryon too much!
Melissa & Doug Magnetic puzzles are the perfect option for traveling with toddlers and my daughters number one pick. Not only do they provide hours of entertainment, but they also promote problem solving and critical thinking skills. Magnetic puzzles come in a variety of sizes, styles and levels of difficulty to make sure there is something for everyone. Plus, you don’t have to worry about pieces getting lost as the magnetic pieces stick together – making it easier to pack up and go! The only downside to these, is how heavy they can get, especially if you pack a few like we do!
Magnet travel tins offer a multitude of ways for your toddler to use their imagination. They can create scenes and make unlimited pictures to enjoy. We often bring a few of these since they are so light weight. My daughter loves to take turns making scenes for everyone and telling a story about it.
Triangular crayons are a great way to entertain toddlers while traveling. They offer so many benefits to developing little ones fine motor skills. Using the different angles of the triangle help to promote proper grip when drawing or writing. The best part about these crayons are the shape though. The triangular shape make them perfect for traveling so that they do not roll away as easily!
Water Wow Books are another mess free creative activity perfect for travel. All you need is water to keep the pen refilled and kids will have so much fun with coloring in the pictures. Melissa and Doug offer a ton of variations of these books, from simple coloring pictures to more activities to keep them busy!
CozyPhones Headphones are by far my families favorite headphones for the kids. They come in so many different characters and animals it is easy to find an option your little one will love! These plug into the airplane TVs and are also compatible with your iPad and Tablets! A bonus is if your little one falls asleep with them on, they are still comfy and don’t get in the way by being too bulky!
iPad or Amazon Fire Tablet is a great option to introduce kids to screens around this age. Nowadays they have so many awesome educational apps and games for this age. Our personal favorites are the PBS apps and different puzzle apps. Only downside to this is YouTube! Kids can get so addicted, that I recommend trying to avoid it as long as you can!
Best Apps for Toddlers
If you aren’t opposed to screens for your toddler while traveling, there are some of the best apps that our kids have enjoyed.
- PBS Kids has been a fan favorite in our house for a while. The best part is it’s entirely free!
- ABC Mouse is an amazing educational app that kids also love to play.
- Bimi Boo has a lot of cute coloring and puzzle apps. You can get a starter pack for free then pay a small free to unlock more- the fee is small we found it worth it since it always entertains my kids!
- Noggin has characters from Nickelodeon and offers games and shows for kids to watch
- Hungry Caterpillar is a favorite story character for toddlers, and the mobile app is so cute!
Best Travel Toys for Babies Ages 0-1
Before we wrap, I also want to touch on a few travel toys for babies since they can have just as much fun as the toddlers! Age-appropriate items for babies ages 0-1 should focus on sensory engagement, as this encourages exploration and learning. Easy-to-pack toys that are engaging yet simple are ideal; items like fabric books, simple wooden blocks, and rattles or musical instruments can help keep your baby occupied both in transit and during visits. Plus, don’t forget about the simple entertainment of peek-a-boo or song singing – simple yet effective!
Touch & Feel Books are perfect for babies and toddlers who are still developing their motor skills. Soft materials provide tactile stimulation while also being safe for little hands to explore. Look for simple fabric books with flaps and interactive elements, like buttons, zippers, and even mirrors.
Small toy rattles are a wonderful way to keep babies and toddlers entertained. Look for ones that have bright colors and interesting shapes; these will encourage visual engagement and help little minds explore the world around them. Rattles should also be lightweight, with soft fabrics and easy-to-grasp handles so they can be held comfortably in tiny hands.
This Peek-A-Boo Mirror is such a fun toy to help keep your little one entertained on long flights. It had my baby laughing and giggling for hours! Not only are they lightweight which makes them easy to transport but also promotes visual development while allowing little hands the chance to discover their own movement and facial expressions in a fun way!
Crinkle books are a great way to engage infants and toddlers during travel. Not only do they make interesting noises but also encourage tactile exploration. Look for vibrant colors, inviting shapes, and intriguing textures that will help little ones discover the world around them. These can easily be tucked away into a bag or suitcase and still provide plenty of entertainment!
Teethers are a must-have for any baby or toddler when traveling. Look for ones made with soft materials like silicone, as they make them safe to chew on while also providing tactile stimulation and comfort. Teethers can be shaped like animals, fruit, or vehicles to encourage visual engagement and exploration.
Soft Sensory Tissue Boxes are a great way to keep babies entertained during travel. Not only do they provide tactile stimulation with the various materials, but also allow for exploration of different shapes and sizes. These are lightweight and easy to pack away in a bag or suitcase when not in use. These can help to improve hand-eye coordination and sensory development!
Finger Puppets are great for both entertainment and imaginative play on the go. Look for small, lightweight finger puppets that can easily be tucked away into a bag or suitcase when not in use. Puppets can also encourage imaginative storytelling; let your little one create their own stories while they explore characters of different shapes and sizes!
PipSquigz Toys and Whirly Squigz by Fat Brain Toys were a fan favorite in our house. They can suction to any flat surface which makes dropping them a little less likely. They are made of soft baby safe material that is BPA free. They come in bright, fun colors that are perfect for little ones.
“Non-Toy” Ideas are another great options for babies of this age. Truth be told, there is no reason to break the bank at this age. Babies will have so much fun playing with anything, there is a reason they love the kitchen and the Tupperware cabinet! Here are some great toy alternatives that you may already have laying around your house!
- Post-it notes
- Box of colorful band aids: Double as a first aid kit!
- Washi tape
Final Thoughts on The Best Toys for Travel with Toddlers
Traveling with babies and toddlers can often be a challenge, but investing in some age-appropriate toys can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. From rattles and shape sorters to magnetic tiling sets, there are plenty of great options to choose from that will help keep your kids engaged while also promoting their development.
With just a little research and planning, you’ll find the right travel toys that the whole family can enjoy! Having the right tools can make any journey a fun experience for both parents and kids alike.
